Airtel Nigeria suspends airtime and data borrowing services

Civil society groups warn attacks on INEC chairman could erode public confidence

Civil society organizations have cautioned that ongoing attacks against Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, could diminish public trust in Nigeria's electoral system and compromise the integrity of future elections. This warning was issued during a press conference organized by the Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiatives in collaboration with a coalition of civil society groups. The organizations condemned what they termed a "campaign of calumny" by certain political elites targeting the INEC chairman. In a statement signed by Felix Attah, National Convener of HUWESDI, and other stakeholders, the coalition stated that these developments threaten Nigeria's democracy and could weaken institutional integrity and public trust. The groups expressed a vote of confidence in Professor Amupitan, commending his leadership and reforms aimed at enhancing electoral transparency and accountability. They highlighted his adherence to the rule of law, including compliance with court rulings in politically sensitive matters like the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress. The coalition also noted Professor Amupitan's academic and professional background as a legal scholar and administrator, having served as Head of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos, as well as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The civil society groups urged Nigerians to support democratic inst